Nkhata Bay

After a casual breakfast at last nights dinner joint I headed off to Nkhata Bay. Situated on the lake's edge it's the closest northerly example of a lakeside tourist village. Its pretty compact and meanders along the craggy edge and a few bays. Nothing too difficult on the ride but the climb out of the village on departure will be fun.Passed a rubber plantation with roadside men selling wound rubber balls of various sizes.
Some of the posh lodges, and the "vibey" non profit eco lodge were perched near the end of the short peninsula with access to the deeper water. The reviews on the eco lodge weren't inspiring and I wasn't fussed about paying over the top to hang out with the europeans who make up it's patronage. The tell tale was of course the pricing in US dollars. I took a comfortable Lodge in town at the bottom end of the mid range. It gave me a range of dining and transport options on the doorstep. I hung out with a bunch of locals at the lodge bar and got to know the town. Staying Thursday through to Sunday was a bit of an unplanned extension but it was a nicer spot to chill a bit. Th quirks of Malawi ever present especially around some of the facilities. I enquired about boat trips but they weren't worth the $US50 that seemed the norm. I was happy to chill by the little beach and visit the other lodges for coffee or lunch as seemed desirable.Read more